CHARLIE Wyke wants City to make a statement of intent by beating another promotion rival as he prepares to lock horns with former team-mate Rory McArdle.

The Bantams are aiming to follow up Saturday's impressive win at second-placed Wigan with another three points at home to fourth-placed Scunthorpe tonight.

Wyke reckons overcoming the Iron would send a message to the rest of the league – and to themselves – that they are genuine contenders to go up.

With a trip to surprise leaders Shrewsbury to follow on Saturday, Wyke said: "This is a massive week for us. We're looking forward to the game on the back of three points.

"It was a great result at Wigan and a good performance. If we can win again it would be a statement.

"We have to start believing we are as good as all the teams who are up there. Like we did at Wigan, we need to take the game to Scunthorpe."

Valley Parade is set to welcome back 'history-maker' McArdle for the first time since his move to the Iron in the summer.

Wyke is set to go head to head with the former City centre half, who returned to action for United in their 3-0 win at Northampton last Saturday following his call-up for Northern Ireland.

He was a non-playing member of the squad who just missed out on World Cup qualification in the play-off defeat to Switzerland.

Wyke said: "Rory McArdle is a great player. I've played against him a few times and obviously he was here last season when I joined.

"We know what he is about. He's a solid defender and it's no surprise that they are so organised defensively with him there.

"He knows what his job is. He is great in the air and it will be a tough match but I'm looking forward to it."

City boss Stuart McCall was keen to keep the 30-year-old defender but he was offered better terms at Scunthorpe, who signed him on a three-year deal and made him captain.

Wyke expects McArdle to receive a good reception after a five-year spell with the Bantams, which saw him play a pivotal role in their resurgence under former boss Phil Parkinson.

"He should do, definitely," said the City striker. "You always see his face posted around on social media and he is obviously a club legend who has done really well here."

Wyke took his league goal tally to eight with his strike against Wigan, his last three having coming on the road after finally breaking his away scoring duck for City at MK Dons last month.

He is now reaping the benefits of doing extra fitness work, having missed out on much of pre-season with injury.

Wyke said: "I'm feeling good. I've been doing extra work on Tuesdays and now I feel up to speed."

Having played up front with Omari Patrick, Dominic Poleon and Alex Jones, he linked up with Paul Taylor at Wigan.

Wyke is not fazed by playing with different partners, saying: "You just adapt. We're training with each other all week and when we do little games the manager is always chopping and changing the front men, so we've all got a rough idea of how each other are going to play.

"Paul is sharp and when he gets the ball at his feet he is dangerous."